New Judo uniform code classifies athletes' levels

Kim Jae-bum, second from left, is wearing an uniform with gold inscription of his name and nationality, while his opponent Wang Ki-choon is wearing an uniform with blue inscription. / Courtesy of YouTube

Judo Grand Prix Jeju 2014 opened on Nov. 28 with new uniforms for athletes that have their names and nationalities inscribed in different colors to indicate their level of skill.

Employed by the International Judo Federation after the 2012 London Olympic, the new uniform uses gold writing for those who have won one or more gold medals in past Olympic Games. Kim Jae-bum, who won a gold in the men’s under-81 kilograms at the 2012 London Olympics, was seen wearing one on Friday.

Kim’s uniform drew a clear division from the one worn by his opponent Wang Ki-choon, as well as most of the athletes in the tournament, whose names were written in blue.

Those who previously were victorious at world championships, which, unlike the Olympic Games held four years apart, are held every year, wear uniforms bearing red insignia.

Local online news outlets said the new uniform code will inspire gold medalists and other championship winners with pride from the differentiated appearance to viewers.